The three-dimensional stresses in bolted wood connections are evaluated and the results compared with those from two-dimensional analyses. Elastic bolts, bolt/hole clearance, and geometric variations are accounted for, as are the effects of side members. While the two- and three-dimensional results agree reasonably well with each other for relatively short bolts (thin members), contact stresses become extremely large and highly three-dimensional for proportionally longer bolts (thick members) and/or with decreased friction. Under such conditions, plane-stress assumptions are inadequate. Ability to include friction is facilitated by using special contact elements that have a symmetrical stiffness matrix
